Catholic Bishop advocates for special funds for PWDs
By Emmanuel Adu Gyamfi , Goaso
Most Rev Peter Kwaku Atuahene, the Catholic Bishop of Goaso Diocese, has urged churches and other Faith-Based Organizations (FBO) to set aside special funds dedicated to the welfare of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs). This, he believes, will empower PWDs to contribute to society’s development without fear or intimidation.
Bishop Atuahene emphasized that approximately 95 percent of PWDs in the country rely on the goodwill of individuals for their daily needs, including sustenance, healthcare, and mobility.
Speaking at the Ahafo Regional celebration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), Bishop Atuahene proposed that a portion of the fund could cover health and medication, accommodation, feeding, school fees, apprenticeship fees, and capital for economic activities.
The celebration, held on December 4, 2023, adopted the theme, “United in Action to Rescue and Achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by Persons with Disabilities.”
It brought together various stakeholders, including the clergy, media practitioners, government officials, NGOs, and representatives from the Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), police service, and the Department of Social Welfare.
Bishop Atuahene, who chaired the event, called on stakeholders, including the media and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), to advocate and campaign daily in support of PWDs.
He also urged duty bearers to ensure the strict protection of common funds earmarked for PWDs.
Highlighting the significance of the day, Bishop Atuahene emphasized that disability is not a disease, curse, or misfortune but a part of life.
He encouraged parents and guardians not to conceal their children with disabilities but to bring them into the open, harnessing their hidden talents and gifts for the socio-economic growth of the country.
Felicia Serwaa, Ahafo Regional President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD), explained that the annual observance of the IDPD aims to raise awareness and advocate for laws that favor the movement, care support, and protection against stigmatization and societal neglect of PWDs.
